Cubs pull off minor move to bolster pitching staff

Cubs pull off minor move to bolster pitching staff

After weeks -- nay, months -- of build-up, Theo Epstein and the Cubs have finally pulled the trigger on a trade, just under two weeks until the deadline.

But it's not Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza. Not even Alfonso Soriano or Darwin Barney.

The Cubs gave cash to the Boston Red Sox for right-handed reliever Justin Germano.

Germano was pitching for Boston's Triple-A affiliate before they purchased his contract on July. He only appeared for the big-league club once, hurling 5.2 scoreless innings in relief on July 7. He was designated for assignment on July 13.

The 29-year-old has pitched for the Padres, Reds and Indians in addition to the Red Sox. He carries a 4.91 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 5.6 K9. He has thrown 258.2 big-league innings spanning 80 games, including 36 starts.

His best season came as a reliever with the Indians in '10, in which Germano had a 3.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP.

Germano was working as a starter in Triple-A, with a 2.40 ERA and .90 WHIP in 16 starts.

He is expected to be available for the Cubs Friday night in St. Louis.

Germano figures to be Plan B in case Dempster -- who is slated to start Friday -- is dealt.

The Cubs designated Jairo Asencio for assignment to make room for Germano on the roster.

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SportsTalk Live Podcast: Of Bulls and Blackhawks, which team will finish with higher draft pick?